MELONS, TOMATOES & LIMES, OH MY!
If the only watermelon you've ever tasted came from a mega-supermarket, you've got a treat in store. Kawano Farms and Rey River are offering sweet, farm-fresh melons now at the Mercato. No extra charge for the "Oh, that's what watermelon tastes like!" moment.

Schaner Farms has been bringing Roma tomatoes to market, but they expect their heirloom tomatoes to be ripe and ready this weekend. Sliced, with a little salt and pepper and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, they're a little bit of heaven.

NUTS TO YOU
Darren Hopkins' brings his family's fresh almonds to the Little Italy market. One taste will tell you that fresh nuts are like any other fresh produce -- food tastes better that way. Look for Hopkins Almond Growers' booth, and Smit Orchards' nuts and dried fruit, in the Certified Farmers' Market on the North side of Date Street at the Mercato.

READY FOR A CUPPA JOE?
Hey, the Mercato opens early in the morning. A cup of steaming hot coffee can make your stroll through the market even more pleasant. Check out Café Virtuoso, offering a variety of brews, fresh roasted beans and tea. They're between India and Kettner. A block East, Presher Coffee can steam a perfect latte and sell you a pound of beans to take home. On your way to the top of the market, stop at Joe's on the Nose' signature orange truck and pick up a frozen mocha or a smoothie.

GO EAST YOUNG SHOPPER
The Mercato has recently expanded farther up Date Street. From State Street to Union, enjoy an Italian ice and find yarn being spun directly from fluffy bunnies, jewelry from local designers, dresses and pashminas, tablecloths, and a perfect tote to carry all your treasures home.

Shop the Little Italy Mercato every Saturday from 9 am to 1:30 pm, year-round. Shop Date Street from Kettner to Union

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LISA CAMPBELL SINGS
The Little Italy Mercato offers a rotating slate of live music, from the Latin sounds of Manny Cepeda and new flamenco of Luis Max to Quince Mabry's jazz tunes. What's more Italian than food and music, after all? This week, Lisa Campbell will belt out songs to shop -- and eat -- by, so add a CD to that shopping list! Musicians interested in playing at the Mercato can contact mercato@littleitalysd.com for more info.

REACH MERCATO SHOPPERS
Mercato shoppers eat all week long! Advertise your restaurant or lifestyle items in the Mercato Monitor, the newspaper that covers the pulse of the Little Italy Mercato. Email mercato@littleitalysd.com or call 619.233.3769 now!